Glass Dish Air Fryer Safety: Can You Use It?

Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular, and many people are discovering new ways to cook with them. A common question is whether you can use a glass dish in an air fryer. The short answer is yes, but there are some important safety precautions to be aware of. Firstly, not all glass is created equal – standard or decorative glass should never be used in an air fryer as it may crack or break under high heat. Instead, always opt for tempered, oven-safe glass that is designed to be heated, such as borosilicate glass like Pyrex. Even then, it's important to avoid sudden temperature changes which can cause thermal shock and lead to shattering. Additionally, ensure the glassware is the correct size and shape, allowing for proper airflow in the air fryer.

Glass dish size and shape matter

The size of your glass dish is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it should be small enough to fit inside your air fryer with ease, allowing for proper airflow around the food. If the glassware is too large, it could obstruct the circulation of hot air, leading to uneven cooking or potential overheating. Therefore, it is recommended that any dish you put inside your air fryer should take up less than half of the basket space.

Secondly, the size of the glass dish can impact the cooking time. If you are using a heat-conductive bowl or plate, the food may cook faster than expected, so you should be prepared to adjust the cooking time or check on the food earlier.

The shape of the glass dish is also a factor to consider. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the frying basket. If the shape of the glass dish disrupts this airflow, it can affect the cooking process and prevent your food from cooking evenly. For this reason, it is generally recommended to use containers that are specifically designed for air fryers, as these are optimised for proper airflow.

Additionally, the shape of the glass dish can impact its ability to withstand temperature changes. Sudden shifts in temperature can cause cracking or shattering, so it is important to avoid placing a hot glass dish on a cold surface or introducing a cold dish into a hot air fryer. Preheating the empty glass dish gradually along with the air fryer can help prevent this issue.

Glass type is important

Borosilicate glass, such as Pyrex, is a popular choice for air fryer-safe glassware. It is a type of tempered glass that can withstand high heat, ensuring your food is cooked safely. Pyrex is rated for a maximum temperature of 425°F (218°C). Other types of glass cookware are typically only rated for 350°F (177°C). Therefore, checking the temperature stamp on your glassware is critical before using it in an air fryer.

Soda-lime glass, recognised by its greenish tint, should be avoided. This type of glass has low heat resistance and tends to break easily, making it unsuitable for use in an air fryer.

When in doubt, always check the bottom of your glassware for an oven-safe symbol or a temperature range. If there is no symbol or temperature indication, it is best to assume that the glass is not oven-safe and should not be used in an air fryer.

Additionally, the size and shape of the glassware matter. Ensure your glass dish fits properly in your air fryer without obstructing the airflow. If the dish is too large, it could prevent the hot air from circulating correctly, leading to uneven cooking and potential overheating, which may damage your air fryer.

Oven-safe glass

Borosilicate glass, such as Pyrex, is a type of tempered glass that is the safest choice for cooking. It can withstand high heat and ensures your food is cooked without compromising safety. Pyrex is safe at temperatures up to 425° F, but some other borosilicate glass can only withstand around 350° F.

On the other hand, soda-lime glass, recognised by its greenish tint, is not suitable for cooking due to its low heat resistance and tendency to break easily. It should not be used in an air fryer.

When using oven-safe glass in an air fryer, it is important to avoid high temperatures and sudden temperature shifts, as these can cause cracking or shattering. It is also important to ensure that the glass does not block the airflow in the air fryer, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

To check if your glass dish is oven-safe, look for the oven-safe symbol on the bottom. If there is no symbol, assume it is not oven-safe and do not use it in the air fryer.

Avoid high temperatures

While it is possible to use glass in an air fryer, there are some important safety precautions to be aware of. One of these is avoiding high temperatures. Even oven-safe glass can crack at extremely high temperatures. Pyrex is safe at temperatures up to 425°F, but some glass can only withstand around 350°F. Since some air fryers can quickly reach temperatures of 500°F, it is important to check the bottom of your cookware and stay within the safe temperature range.

To avoid thermal shock, which can cause glass to crack or shatter, it is important to preheat the air fryer and the glass dish gradually. This can be done by preheating the empty glass dish as you preheat the air fryer, or by filling the glass bowl with slightly hot water before placing it in the fryer. This will help to prevent sudden temperature changes and ensure the glass can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer.

It is also important to avoid using cold liquids in a hot glass dish, as this can cause damage due to the sudden change in temperature. Always read the manufacturer's instructions and use the recommended temperature settings for your air fryer.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts

Glass dishes can be used in an air fryer, but it's important to take precautions to avoid sudden temperature shifts that could cause the glass to crack or shatter. Here are some tips to avoid sudden temperature changes when using glassware in an air fryer:

• Always preheat the air fryer before placing the glass dish inside. This helps to avoid a sudden change in temperature for the glass.
• Avoid putting chilled or frozen glass directly into a hot air fryer. Allow the glass dish to come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer.
• When removing the glass dish from the air fryer, don't place it on a cold surface. Let it cool down naturally or place it on a room-temperature surface.
• Avoid using cold liquids in a hot glass dish. This can cause a rapid drop in temperature and increase the risk of thermal shock.
• Preheat the empty glass dish gradually along with the air fryer. This helps the glass adjust to the temperature change and ensures it can withstand the heat.
• Avoid using glass dishes with cracks or scratches. Inspect the glassware for any pre-existing damage before using it in the air fryer.
• Choose the right type of glassware. Pyrex, borosilicate glass, and tempered glass are suitable options as they are designed to withstand high temperatures. Regular glass or soda-lime glass is more susceptible to thermal shock and breakage.
• Check for oven-safe markings. Look for the oven-safe symbol or a temperature stamp on the bottom of the glass dish. If there is no marking, assume it's not oven-safe and don't use it in the air fryer.
• Be mindful of the size and shape of the glassware. Ensure it fits properly in the air fryer without obstructing airflow. A dish that is too large can block the circulation of hot air and affect cooking performance.

By following these precautions, you can help prevent sudden temperature shifts and reduce the risk of thermal shock when using glass dishes in an air fryer.

Frequently asked questions